Giving, of talents

All human abilities and skills derive from God and are to be dedicated to his glory and the good of others.

Talents are given and sustained by God

1 Corinthians 4:7 Exodus 28:3, Exodus 31:3–6, Exodus 35:31–35, Exodus 36:1–2; Deuteronomy 8:18; 2 Samuel 22:34–35; Psalm 18:33–34; Matthew 25:15 parallel Luke 19:13; Acts 7:10; Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:7–8; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Ephesians 3:7, Ephesians 4:7

For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

Talents differ

Matthew 25:15 See also 2 Chronicles 2:13–14; Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 7:7, 1 Corinthians 12:4–6; Ephesians 4:11

To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent — each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey.

Talents need to be developed

2 Timothy 1:6 See also Matthew 25:16–30 parallel Luke 19:12–26; 1 Timothy 4:14

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

Talents are to be devoted to God

For his own glory

1 Peter 4:11 See also Exodus 35:10, Exodus 35:25; 1 Kings 7:40; 1 Chronicles 9:13; Psalm 33:2–3, Psalm 137:4–5; 1 Corinthians 10:31

If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

For the good of others

1 Peter 4:10 See also 1 Corinthians 12:7, 1 Corinthians 14:12; Ephesians 4:12

As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.

Talents are to be accounted for

Matthew 25:19 parallel Luke 19:15 See also Matthew 21:34 parallels Mark 12:2, Luke 20:10; Luke 12:48

After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.

Rewards according to use or misuse of talents

Matthew 25:21 See also Matthew 25:23–30 parallel Luke 19:17–26

His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’